perfect (ILLUSION)

Artie was pretty sure if he inhaled one more speck of silicone dust it was going to solidify the walls of his lungs. There wasn’t any science to back that up, but he had left the realms of science way before he found himself reading his worn copy of Jurassic Park in the busy LA coffee shop; hiding from responsibilities like work and, god forbid, paying bills. The chatter surrounding him had only helped to encase him in his more personal hobbies, book folded in half in one hand while the other blind sketched the dinosaurs he read about in between sips of his overpriced coffee. When the voice obstructed by his laser focus asked to take a seat he was quick to agree with a slight nod. It wasn’t until he finished his chapter that his gaze came to meet the beautiful stranger causing his eyes to widen as he practically choked inhaling sip from his cup. Artie Bhatt, smooth as always. 

“Wow,” he mumbled, further making a fool of himself before clearing his throat sheepishly, “sorry. I’m usually a more accommodating host.” Trying to recover with a self deprecating chuckle Artie placed his book down to push his mop of locks out of his face as if that could somehow magically fix his appearance like a shy girl in the movies taking off her glasses. “But,” he continued, finally recovered from the sight of the woman across from him “that seat isn’t rent controlled, so I’m sorry to inform you but the cost is gonna be two coffees. I’ll wave the scone security deposit, but don’t let anyone know I went easy on ya.”

A warm and welcoming smile slowly spread across her full lips. If bribery didn’t work, she wasn’t opposed to using her cuteness to her advantage. Thankfully, it didn’t have to come to that and a chuckle emanated at the hard ‘bargain’ the stranger presented to her. Plopping down onto the seat across from her, she tried to muster up some version of a serious face as if she was pondering his offer. “Well...” Esme mused out loud, tapping her shin with a lone finger, adding to the act.”You drive a hard bargain.” Hazel eyes  shift to the left and right for show, as i there were any other options available.

There weren’t -- besides him it was either being stuck next to a baby or some asshole who as screaming into his airpods. “But I appreciate your leinancy-- I’m just a lowly writer trying to make ends.” Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, her bag was then settled by her feet. “So, you got yourself a deal. Your secret is safe of me.”

“Coffee is just what I need right now, honestly.” Script she had been trying to memorize for the last half hour was left on the table, as she motioned for the girl to sit down at her table without any trouble. “It’s quite busy, isn’t it? Especially at this time of the day. I often prefer to come earlier but… well, the need for something to drink overcame me. Are you working on something?” Laila could wonder how anyone could get any work done with all the background noise, if she hadn’t been doing the exact same thing. She really liked the coffee shop environment on a less busy day, far less noisy, but she would take what she was offered. Besides, Laila was convinced that was the place where they served the best coffee in the city. 

“Whew I’m glad you’re a coffee drinking or else I really would’a been outta luck.” With a chuckle and a bright smile on her face, she took a seat across from the woman. “Thanks, I really appreciate it.” The residents of Los Angeles often had a reputation for being rude and self-serving, so it was nice to find the occasional gem in the bunch who wasn’t stuck up. “It’s lunch time in LA, I shouldn’t be surprised by how crowded it is but I shouldn’t underestimate people’s caffeine cravings.” Bringing the cup to her lips, Esme nodded her head before responding verbally. “I have a bunch of articles to finish before a deadline and I figured getting out of the office would be a good idea. How about yourself?”